In early Spring some of the first things that you will want to start looking at are your Azalea and Rhododendron plantings. These plants thrive in an acidic soil where they can take up Iron and the other trace elements easily. The soils around the perimeter of the house tend to be basic because of the concrete foundations. Especially in areas of the country where there are clay type soils and hard water the amount of calcium and magnesium from limestone deposits pushes the pH above 7. This makes it much more difficult for almost all plant types to get the Iron and other trace elements they need to thrive. A regular application of an acidic water-soluble fertilizer will help prevent the chlorosis (yellowing) of the leaves and keep them a nice dark green.

Here is a schedule for the azaleas and rhododendrons that I use to keep the leaves green and also maximize the flower production and intensify the colors of the blooms. The Jack's Classic^® 17-6-6 Acid Special is my first choice for these plants. It is our most acidic fertilizer and contains an elevated level of Chelated Iron, which these plants really like. I fertilize them on a 4-week schedule through the end of August. I alternate with the Jack's Classic^® Blossom Booster to increase the bud count and maximize the color production at flowering. The use of the Blossom Booster at the end of the season will also help to harden off the new growth and increase the initial bud development for the following spring.

USE:	20-20-20 All Purpose, or 17-6-6 Acid Special, or 10-30-20 Blossom Booster
RATES:	1 Tablespoon per Gallon, or 4 oz/Gallon with a Hozon (1:15), or 27oz/gallon @ 1:100
WHEN:
Spring	April - Initial Feed - 17-6-6 Acid Special (especially if chlorotic)
	May - 1st week - 10-30-20 Blossom Booster
New Growth	June - 1st week - 17-6-6 Acid Special
	July - 1st week - 17-6-6 or 10-30-20
Hardening off	August - 1st week - 10-30-20 Blossom Booster
	Sept. - 1st week - 10-30-20 Blossom Booster (optional)

You can substitute Jack's Classic 20-20-20 All Purpose for 17-6-6 Acid Special where pH control and sulfur availability are not a problem.